Best Bank / Checking Account ?

[J23]

Hello, Ive been browsing these forums for a few years but only now decided to register here.

I need some recommendations on checking accounts and banks. I currently use BOA and Chase. Im not satisfied with Chase due to the history of problems ive had with them ever since they acquired WAMU. These include getting skimmed for $500 bucks from one of their branch ATM's (was FDIC insured) and getting charged for checks 3 different times even though im qualified to receive FREE checks. These problems took weeks to resolve and im about to close my account with them.

I have looked into PNC bank since they are the new player in town down here in South Florida. Does anyone bank with them / recommend them ? How about Wachovia ? What are some incentives they offer ?

Thanks in advance

[Petunia 100]

Hello, Ive been browsing these forums for a few years but only now decided to register here.

I need some recommendations on checking accounts and banks. I currently use BOA and Chase. Im not satisfied with Chase due to the history of problems ive had with them ever since they acquired WAMU. These include getting skimmed for $500 bucks from one of their branch ATM's (was FDIC insured) and getting charged for checks 3 different times even though im qualified to receive FREE checks. These problems took weeks to resolve and im about to close my account with them.

I have looked into PNC bank since they are the new player in town down here in South Florida. Does anyone bank with them / recommend them ? How about Wachovia ? What are some incentives they offer ?

Thanks in advance

What do you want in a checking account? Personally, I want my checking account at a bank with a branch conveniently located for me, a large atm network, and it is easy to keep it free.

I suggest you go to both PNC and Wachovia's websites. You should be able to determine quickly what the terms are of their checking accounts.

[Slug]

Consider ING checking as well.

I have never heard good things about Walkoverya.

[photo]

Consider ING checking as well.

I agree; no minimum and 0.25% interest. The one drawback is that depositing checks is not convenient because you can't do it at an ATM (although paychecks can be directly deposited).

I have a free local checking account but use the ING account for most of my checking transactions.

[snafu]

Do you need a Brick & Mortar Bank? Will an on-line bank serve your needs? Are you eligible to join a credit union? I can't remember when I last actually walked into a bank. I do all transactions on-line and withdraw a set sum at a linked ATM the last day of each month.

[uRabbit]

I suggest credit unions. Not only are the people friendlier, but the interest rates are better, accounts are typically free (mine even offers free business accounts), and just overall better.

However, if I were to not be in need of a physical branch, I would probably most likely indubitably () sign up with SmartyPig.com.

Good luck!

[photo]

However, if I were to not be in need of a physical branch, I would probably most likely indubitably () sign up with SmartyPig.com.

If I'm not mistaken, they don't have checking accounts, and for the savings, you cannot withdraw from your account without closing the account. It's good if you have a savings goal, but to use as a regular account is not practical, unless they've recently changed the way they operate.

[SeanH]

I had Wells Fargo and they played all the usual games. Every additional service other than them holding my money cost money. Switched to a local bank I found on "checkingfinder" and have been paid almost $900 in interest since I started in 5/2010. The closest location is 17 miles from me, but I haven't had any issues mailing in checks. ATMs which I don't use are 100% reimbursed, I do all my banking online, checks are free etc. My only regret is that I didn't switch years sooner. It wasn't even that hard to switch - I just got out a calendar and wrote a schedule for myself of how I'd transition my funds.

[krantcents]

My theory is the best account is the one that fits your needs at the lowest possible price preferably free. I personally likke the convenience of the major banks, but unwilling to pay fees. I have direct deposit which allows me a free account.

[KiwiJo09]

I bank with Chase. I had Bank of America before but kept getting trapped in all those fees. Since I've switched, I've only ever had one fee from Chase because I took too many withdrawls from my savings account. Other than that, never paid a fee. It's a great bank with lots of local branches. Their savings account doesn't get the best APR, but that wasn't important to me. The important things are local and not paying fees. The checking account is free because I have direct deposit and I make more than 5 transactions with my debit card and pay bills through the Chase website.

[Petunia 100]

I had Wells Fargo and they played all the usual games. Every additional service other than them holding my money cost money. Switched to a local bank I found on "checkingfinder" and have been paid almost $900 in interest since I started in 5/2010. The closest location is 17 miles from me, but I haven't had any issues mailing in checks. ATMs which I don't use are 100% reimbursed, I do all my banking online, checks are free etc. My only regret is that I didn't switch years sooner. It wasn't even that hard to switch - I just got out a calendar and wrote a schedule for myself of how I'd transition my funds.

Your statement serves to underscore to me that what is "best" is going to vary greatly from person to person. I bank primarily with Wells Fargo, have non-network ATM fee reimbursement, free checks, free bill pay, etc., and pay nothing at all. I also moved a brokerage account in which I can place 100 free trades per year. Overall, I have a very sweet deal with Wells Fargo.
The only complaint I have is the pathetic interest rates on savings, which are no better or worse than any other brick-and-mortar bank. So I keep the bulk of my savings at Ally.

[Nightfly]

I've used only credit unions along with online banks like ING Direct for the last decade now. I can do online banking, pay bills, write checks, transfer money, walk in and take care of things in person (almost never need to these days - but they still know who I am - BofA could care less who you are), invest in CDs (if I want), get small loans, get debit or credit cards, and use ATMs nationwide. I'm puzzled as to why anyone needs to use the big banks anymore - especially with all of the crap that they pull. Run. Run far away from them.